Down Syndrome Group celebrates new name and five years of Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk

Published 10:00 am, Thursday, November 13, 2014

PRESS RELEASE

It is an exciting time for Galveston-Houston Families Exploring Down Syndrome. The group was founded in 2007 by four Clear Lake area moms of children with Down syndrome who wanted a local organization south of Houston to provide resources and support for families of individuals with Down syndrome. Originally called Greater Clear Lake Families Exploring Down Syndrome, the group’s membership has always been made up of families from areas including Galveston County, Friendswood, Clear Lake, Pasadena, Baytown, Pearland, South Houston and surrounding areas. As the organization has grown, the Board decided to change the name to more accurately reflect the areas the group serves.

Although the name is changing, the organization’s mission remains the same - to provide support and resources to individuals with Down syndrome and their families to promote awareness, understanding and inclusion in their communities. Galveston-Houston Families Exploring Down Syndrome is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization run by volunteers, which provides resources to new parents and organizes educational seminars and social events for its members throughout the year including family and age group socials (babies/toddlers/youth/teen/adult), parents nights out, summer events, World Down Syndrome Day dance, and the Step Up Walk. GHFEDS, along with the Rise School and Father’s Joy, sponsor the annual Including You/T-21 Conference, which brings together parents, educators and the medical community for a day long conference with nationally renowned speakers on Down syndrome topics. GHFEDS also recently created and funded education grants that will be awarded annually to special needs teachers in the area to enhance their classroom resources and help fund special projects.

GHFEDS officially announced its new name at the organization’s annual Step Up For Down Syndrome Walk held on October 25, 2014 at Walter Hall Park in League City. This year marks the Fifth Anniversary of the walk and brought 42 teams and more than 830 participants who helped raise funds and awareness. Master of ceremonies Keith Garvin, news anchor for KPRC Channel 2 News, came out to support the cause and everyone enjoyed the food and amusements. GHFEDS would like to give a special thanks to its major sponsors - Valero and Media Riders Inc., and sponsors Hegwood & Associates, P.C., Elite Security, Servpro, Owens & Minor, the Molldrem Family, AmSpec, KAPE, Crystal’s Crew Fishing Tournament, Memorial Hermann, Concept Walls, and Gimme A Break for their generous support. For more information about GHFEDS, please visit the website at www.ghfeds.org.